HRT's new HDMI Streamer, which grabs digital audio from HDMI then passes it through. Of course, you can get that from optical too, but I think HDMI has more bandwith and isn't limited to 5.1 channels like optical is. Could be more useful with the next gen of consoles.

I'm not sure what the next-gen plans are for handling surround. I assume DD 5.1 is so standardized that it will continue, but they will possibly add more DTS support.

Of course, ideally consoles would have middleware that did the headphone surround more directly, instead of having to virtualize a a 5.1 system. I don't expect them to get on that though.

In the meantime, I think someone -*cough* FiiO - should make a more "audiophile" mixamp. Something with more inputs (Optical, HDMI, possibly USB for use with a computer), a high quality DAC with a toggle switch to bake in Dolby Headphone in the D-to-A stage, and a direct line out to send to external amps. Or just stick an E9 amp in the same box.

Great thread and guide by the way. At the moment I am using the PC360s with a mixamp, but am looking to pick up a pair audiotechnica AD900s to use with the mixamp.

My questions are, are these $£100 better than the AD700s? and do they go well with the mixamp?

Thanks in advance for any replies

AD900s are sort of a sidegrade from the PC360s. AD900s have a bigger soundstage, but less bass and a thinner sound than the PC360s.

Also, they're not $100 better than the AD700. They have slightly better bass, and less sibilant treble. The mids sound a little more congested on the AD900 and make the soundstage sound slightly less clear than the AD700s.

I was looking at some videos of the PLYR2 and thought to myself that you could totally hook up something like a DSS to it and make a makeshift DH wireless headset. The only fail of the PLYR2 that I can see is that it has 3 preset EQ's and I'm not entirely sure if any of those are flat.

Also, noticed that skullcandy's lifetime warranty doesn't include the gaming stuff, those only get 1 year :/

I have been looking for weeks and weeks at forums and web-sites.. And its hard to nail down a good combo.

another quick question. What would you consider an upgrade in terms of everything over the PC360s? and would I need to add an amp (say a E09 for example) into the mix to drive them correctly?

Because frankly, if there is one major problem with the mixamp, it is the fact that turning up chat just kills the volume!

Sorry for the same questions that you guys probably get sick of answering everyday

Argh! MLE beat me to it...

Probably the Q701. Both PC360 and Q701 are pretty well balanced, but the Q701 is a tier up and has warmer punchier sound. It's a funner more immersive sounding headphone. The PC360 sounds flat and boring in comparison. Both have a very good soundstage, although different.

If your close to losing volume with the PC360, Q701 will most likely push you over the edge and you'll need ampage.

Hmm, so I'm trying the Slyr's mixer, Mixamp pro 2013, and 5.8 off the Slyr all on stereo mode at their most balanced preset. Looks like the 5.8 is brighter than neutral for sure. The Mixamp 2013 is fuller sounding, and more dimensional. The Slyr's Mixer sounds closer to the Mixamp than to the 5.8.

Odd. I'll have to do more testing to be sure, but it definitely seems to be the case. I'm so used to the 5.8's signature, that the others seem warmer than neutral, but in actuality, they may be the neutral ones.

I did get the Mixer to work. I'm an idiot. I didn't realize you can just press in thecenter button and it mutes the mic. The mic definitely works off the Mixer and PS3.

I was playing Castlevania HD which is a stereo game, so I could test out the sound quality of the Mixer. Seems fine. Less harsh than the 5.8 in stereo mode.Edited by Mad Lust Envy - 12/16/12 at 8:59am